The dashcam you choose between AI dashcams vs standard dashcams should go with your specific needs. Standard dashcams are for simple video recording; they mainly serve as passive recording devices for digital evidence purposes. AI dashcams, on the other hand, are for advanced safety features. They’re for proactive safety enhancements and provide detailed analytics for fleet management.
A survey by Marc Brown Law Firm reveals that 20% of the vehicle owners said their footage was helpful for completing insurance claims, while 12% used their recordings to support legal cases. One respondent even shared a story of how a dashcam uncovered unexpected damage during a service visit. This proves how valuable dashcams are for both businesses and individuals.
Choosing between a standard dashcam and one that’s AI-powered requires you to know exactly how the features work. We’re here to break it down for you and help you make the choice that’s best for you.
Weighing AI dashcams vs standard dashcams requires you to know their specifications and understand the purpose of each function. To make the right decision, you must compare things such as:
The dashcam should also be easy to use, so you or your drivers can have a smoother experience.
Here’s a quick table overview of the differences between standard dashcams and AI dashcams:
Standard dashcams are vehicle-mounted cameras that are solely created for continuously recording video footage for evidence purposes. Most standard dashcams don’t provide driver feedback or offer any form of driver analytics. They’re usually affordable for the average person, but have limitations when it comes to addressing modern safety challenges.
AI dashcams use advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyse footage in real time. Unlike standard dashcams, they process the data on the spot to identify risky behaviour and give out immediate alerts. They can detect objects such as other vehicles, road marks, and traffic lights. They can also identify safety hazards, such as distracted driving or when a driver doesn’t have his or her seatbelt on.
AI dashcams provide detailed analytics on driver behaviour patterns. Due to the advanced features and complex build, these dashcams typically come at a higher cost compared to the standard ones.
If you mainly use your car for commuting to work, running errands, or going on trips, then a standard dashcam is most likely all you need. It’ll give you reliable video evidence if you’re ever involved in an accident or some sort of dispute that happened on the road. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to operate, making it an ideal solution for everyday personal drivers.
Families often appreciate some added protection. Some parents want to monitor how their teenagers behave when using their cars, and dashcams are the best way to go about it. If you’re one of them, you can either livestream footage of a standard dashcam or get an AI dashcam to ensure your kids get alerts when practising risky driving habits.
Running a fleet requires constant driver monitoring. For that reason, an AI dashcam is strictly what’s needed. The features of an AI dashcam are particularly useful for fleet management as they enhance driver safety, boost efficiency, and encourage accountability. Since these cameras provide behavioural insights, they can be used to coach drivers, encourage safer habits, and protect cargo from damage.
Dashcams save you money by providing you with enough evidence to prove your innocence to clear insurance claims. They also help you avoid costly disputes with other drivers. AI dashcams assist in reducing the chances of accidents, which reduces the frequency of fleet repair costs.
Frequent accident claims result in high premiums. Dashcams provide clear footage that helps you avoid insurance payouts. False insurance claims are on the rise. According to Nedbank, car insurers are facing rising numbers of claims for theft and damage. You could fall victim to this, so a dashcam is your best bet at protecting yourself or your business from such a situation.
A study by Zutobi revealed that South Africa is the world’s most dangerous country for driving, with road death traffic rates averaging at 24.5 per 100 000 people. This means the chances of being in an accident are high, no matter how cautious you are. After an accident, it’s your word against the other driver’s, and a dashcam is the fastest way to prove your innocence. It prevents the long-winded and costly legal disagreements about who was at fault, saving you time, reducing the cost of legal fees, and protecting your business from heavy fines.
As a fleet manager, you want to save costs in all ways possible so the business can be profitable. The safer driving habits that are enforced through AI dashcams lead to your drivers being involved in fewer accidents. Fewer accidents mean less money spent on unexpected repairs and less unplanned downtime. This improves productivity and reduces overall operational costs.
Whether you need a standard dashcam or one with AI technology, Cartrack caters for it all. Our dashcams come with GPS tracking capabilities. This means you not only see what people get up to, but you also always know the location. They also provide telematics insights, meaning you’ll receive reports of driving behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking, and harsh cornering.
Here are our top three dashcam cloud-based solutions for individuals, families, and fleets:
Cartrack’s Road Vision camera solution is a single-channel dashcam, which means it only faces the road, as the name suggests. The Road Vision camera is perfect for those who want dashcams solely for recording road incidents during daily commutes. It had high camera quality that captured important details such as number plates or billboards from afar.
This dual-channel in-vehicle camera solution which means there are two cameras in one gadget that record simultaneously. One camera gives you a view of the front, and the other covers what happens inside the vehicle and a bit of the rear end. It’s also perfect for those who want an all-round view of footage, such as parents who want to monitor what their teenagers get up to while driving.
Cartrack’s AI Dual Vision camera solution is yet another dual-channel dashcam, but more advanced as it’s AI-powered. It can detect distracted or risky driving behaviours such as an unbuckled seatbelt, drowsiness, yawning, cellphone use, and smoking. It also releases immediate audible alerts once such behaviours are detected, so the driver can quickly correct their actions.
The AI Dual Vision camera further enhances driver awareness by being able to detect and give warnings of blind spots or when drivers aren’t keeping a safe following distance. This is a must-have for fleet vehicles of any kind.
Common misconceptions about dashcams are that they’re:
Whether you’re considering a standard dashcam or an AI-powered one, it’s important to separate the facts from the myths so you can make an informed decision.
We're here to clarify these myths and give you actual information about dashcams. Have a look:
Fact: Most dashcams are easy to install and come with DIY installation options. However, a professional installation ensures correct positioning and wiring, so your dashcam works seamlessly. With a professional dashcam installation, you’re less likely to encounter issues such as your dashcam falling off when you need it the most.
Fact: Dashcams are very affordable. There are companies that offer month-to-month payment plans to cater for everyone’s budget. Furthermore, dashcams can save you more money long-term through lower insurance premiums, fewer accidents, and reduced repair costs. This makes the cost a small trade-off for the long-term rewards.
Fact: Not all dashcams capture footage equally. Standard single-channel dashcams record only the front view, while dual-channel models record both the front and rear of the vehicle. AI dashcams go a step further by analysing footage in real time to identify risky driving behaviour and potential collisions. Some dashcams also have higher quality video resolution, providing clearer, more detailed footage.
The choice between a standard dashcam and one that’s AI-powered depends on your budget, purpose, and desired level of safety. We have camera solutions that cater for various situations, making us your go-to dashcam provider.
With Cartrack, you get good-quality dashcams without denting your pocket, as we offer affordable month-to-month payment plans no matter which one you choose. Contact us today to stay safe on the road and save on unexpected costs.
Yes, a dashcam can drain your car’s battery, especially if left in parking mode while connected to a constant power source. Some dashcams have accessories such as dedicated battery packs or hardwire kits with voltage cutoff features, which prevent vehicle battery drainage. Dashcams that automatically switch off once your car is off are the best way to avoid battery drainage.
No, GPS is not strictly required on a dashcam, but it’s highly recommended. It adds valuable information to your evidence, such as location and speed. This can be crucial for disputing speeding fines, making insurance claims, and resolving accidents. A GPS-enabled dashcam offers a more comprehensive, verifiable record of events.
To choose the right dashcam, you must first determine your budget and the features that are most essential to you. Consider features such as HD resolution, a wide field of view, low light performance, GPS tracking, and cloud storage. The model you choose should have a robust build so it can withstand extreme weather conditions and impact from accidents.
A dashcam does not directly reduce your insurance premiums. It helps you prove your innocence during accidents, which reduces the frequency of insurance payouts. This saves you from post-claim insurance increases, as insurers will see you as less of a risk, therefore saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Compare AI and standard dashcams to find the right one for your needs. Discover which offers better safety, savings, and peace of mind on the road.